rentals_services

Rental Guidelines

Because of the uniqueness of our location inside the historic Columbia Mills Building, we ask your understanding and cooperation in helping us preserve the integrity of the building and the museum collections.

Reservation
The Facility Event Coordinators will take reservations up to one year in advance for meetings and events. A contract will be mailed to the person or organization renting the facility and must be returned within two weeks of receipt along with a non-refundable deposit. All checks must be made payable to South Carolina State Museum.

Guidelines
The museum will provide an event coordinator who will work with the renter to ensure proper staffing, coordinate with caterers, decorators, and musicians, and coordinate the layout of tables, chairs, and other equipment. A member of the museum staff will be assigned to work the event from the earliest access time until the last person leaves. The renting group will appoint a representative who will be present during the entire event and who will work with the event coordinator to finalize set-up information.

Access
• The museum will make every effort to allow groups access to event space two hours in advance of an event.
• Extra set-up time will be allowed at an additional $50 hourly charge.
• Set-up in public spaces during museum hours is subject to prior approval.
• All arrangements for advance set-ups and deliveries must be cleared through the event coordinator.
• All deliveries must check in at Loading Zone D (898-4981) at the rear of the museum. A museum officer will direct users to the appropriate door to unload.

Catering
The museum’s Crescent Cafe will prepare a morning continental breakfast and beverage/snack service for morning and/or afternoon events at the museum. All food and beverages for evening events must be provided by a caterer on the approved catering list.  Dupree Dukes Signature Catering is the Preferred Caterer for evening events at the State Museum.

Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages may be consumed on museum property after hours or in rooms not accessible to the public before the museum closes. An alcohol agreement form must be signed and returned along with a $25 fee in order to serve alcohol at your event. All bars are to be closed one-half hour prior to the scheduled end of the event.

Decorations
All decorations must be approved in advance.
• Tape, glue or other adhesive products may not be used on museum surfaces.
• Glitter, confetti, rice, or other like material may not be used on museum property.
• Live plants may be used in rental areas on the day of the event.
• Installation and removal of decorations are the responsibility of the renter on the day of the event. Surfaces damaged from the use of decorations will be repaired at renter’s expense.
•Open flames are prohibited.

Equipment - Audiovisual
• Requests for equipment and services must be made at least three working days in advance.
• We recommend that the museum audiovisual equipment be used. Any outside equipment must be approved before the event.
• An AV-Media coordinator is available for your event with advance notice.

Tables/Chairs
A variety of round or rectangle tables are available. Tablecloths are an additional charge and may be ordered prior to the event. Please place your order for tables and chairs early to ensure availability.